William S. Burroughs

Speaking for myself, art differs from writing in that I never know what I'm going to paint until I paint it, so it's almost like automatic writing. A writer, on the other hand, can't help but know what he's going to write, because the activity demands a degree of premeditation.

American Writer

Larry Harvey

When I was in my late 30s, I lit a figure on fire on Baker Beach in San Francisco. It was me, a friend, and maybe eight people, tops. There wasn't any premeditation to it at all. It was really just a product of San Franciscan bohemian milieu.

American Celebrity

Herman Melville

Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, - for it is a sign of strength to be weak, to know it, and out with it - not in a set way and ostentatiously, though, but incidentally and without premeditation.

American Novelist

William Bartram

If we bestow but a very little attention to the economy of the animal creation, we shall find manifest examples of premeditation, perseverance, resolution, and consumate artifice, in order to effect their purpose.

American Environmentalist

Henry Rollins

My understanding of first-degree murder is that premeditation needs to be proven.

American Musician

Georg C. Lichtenberg

Virtue by premeditation isn't worth much.

German Scientist

Used often in law to describe planned criminal acts, indicating guilt and intent.

Legal Usage

Carries a strong negative charge, as it implies harmful intent rather than innocent planning.

Heavily Negative

In murder cases, premeditation can separate first-degree murder from lesser charges.

First-Degree Connection

Also describes thorough planning in non-legal contexts, like projects or events.

Beyond Law

Can be positive in some contexts, suggesting careful thought rather than impulsiveness.

Positive Nuance

Doesn't always imply negative intentions; it can simply mean thinking ahead.

Not Always Sinister

 and seemingly even as she thinks it she knows what's been grace, not premeditation but grace, a kind of being in the world spontaneously, with grace.

Premeditation